A Wilson County man will spend several years behind bars in a federal prison in connection to a 2016 drug investigation.

Last week, Brian Allen Gardner of Black Creek was sentenced to four years in prison plus five years probation, according to law enforcement.

He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, according to officials.

In September of 2016, detectives with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office Special Operation began an investigation into Gardner and three co-defendants selling crystal methamphetamine and heroin, according to the office. Detectives received multiple complaints from residents in the Black Creek area regarding Gardner, officials said. During the investigation, detectives made several “controlled purchases” of heroin and crystal methamphetamine, according to federal officials. Gardner was arrested in September 2016. At the time of his arrest, Gardner was in possession of heroin, crystal methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia, authorities said. Three others were also arrested as a part of the investigation.

Gardner, a convicted felon, has served an active prison sentence for narcotic violations, officials said.